Footvolley Rules and Basics
Footvolley rules combine the skills of football with the format of beach volleyball, resulting in a fast-paced and exciting game.
In this article, we explore what Footvolley is, how to play it, its similarities to football, and other interesting facts.
What is Footvolley?
The sport is officially called Footvolley, a mix of football and volleyball. Sometimes, people refer to it as “soccer volleyball” or “volleyball football,” but the correct name is Footvolley.
The name highlights how it combines football skills, like using your foot to play, with the format and rules of volleyball, all played on a beach volleyball court.
Basic Footvolley Rules
- Teams and Court. Two players per team compete on a sand court measuring 8 meters by 16 meters, divided by a net (2.2 meters high for men, 2 meters high for women).
- Serve. The game starts with a serve from behind the baseline. Any body part except the hands and arms can hit the ball over the net.
- Playing the Ball. Each team gets up to three touches (including a block) to return the ball over the net. Players cannot hit the ball twice consecutively with the same body part.
- Scoring. The game awards a point when the ball lands in the opponent’s court or the opposing team fails to return it within three touches.
Match Structure
- A match typically consists of two or three sets.
- The first team to reach 11 points (with a two-point lead) wins a set.
- The team that wins two sets wins the match.
Additional Rules
- Players cannot touch the net or obstruct the opposing team.
- Touching the ball with hands or arms is a fault.
- Specific rules govern ball contact with the head, chest, and feet.
Footvolley vs Football: Rules Similarities
| Similarities | Footvolley | Football |
| No Hands | Players use feet, head, chest, and thighs to hit the ball. | Players are not allowed to use hands, except goalkeepers. |
| Ball Control | Requires precise control to pass and direct the ball using body parts. | Ball control is essential for passing, dribbling, and shooting. |
| Teamwork | Teams of two work together to keep the ball in the air. | Players must work as a team to create scoring opportunities. |
| Three Touch Limit | Players have a three-touch limit before sending the ball over the net. | Teams use a series of passes and movements to advance the ball. |
| Fast-Paced Game | Quick reactions and agility are needed to keep up with the fast pace. | Fast-paced gameplay with constant movement and quick decisions. |
How to Start Playing Footvolley?
Up next, we’ll share a few tips to help you get started with footvolley:
Learn the Basics
Start by understanding the rules of footvolley. Each team has up to three touches before returning the ball.
Get the Right Gear
All you need is a volleyball net, a footvolley ball (similar to a football but lighter), and a sandy surface like a beach or sand court.
Practice Ball Control
Since you can’t use your hands, practice football skills like juggling, passing, and controlling the ball with your feet, chest, and head to improve your touch and accuracy.
Find Local Groups or Clubs
Look for footvolley groups, beach sports leagues, or clubs near you. Many beaches and sports parks have footvolley courts available for public use.
Play with Friends
Start by playing with friends to build your skills. Casual games are a great way to practice and enjoy the sport before moving on to more competitive matches.
Join Tournaments or Leagues
Once you’re comfortable with your skills, consider joining local tournaments or leagues. It’s a fun way to improve, meet other players, and enjoy the competitive side of footvolley.
International Variations of Footvolley Rules
Footvolley is played in many countries, but some rules can change depending on where you play:
- Like in volleyball, you score a point when the ball lands in the other team’s court, when they make a mistake, or if they don’t return the ball within three touches. This uses the rally point system.
- The length of the match can change. Some tournaments are played as a single set to 18 points. Others use a best-of-three format, with each set played to 15 points, except for the final set, which goes to 11 points.
- International courts are a bit larger, measuring about 9 meters by 18 meters (30 by 60 feet).
- The height of the net is different for men and women. For men, it is 2.2 meters (7.2 feet), and for women, it is 2 meters (6.6 feet).
Skills You Need for Footvolley
Below, we share the skills needed to play footvolley effectively.
- Ball Control: Use your feet, chest, head, and thighs to manage the ball. Football techniques like juggling help improve touch.
- Accurate Passing: Precise passes keep the rally alive and set up your teammate.
- Foot-Eye Coordination: Reacting to unpredictable angles is key.
- Agility and Speed: Quick movements are essential to track the ball on the sand.
- Balance and Stamina: Sand play demands strong balance and endurance.
- Heading and Chesting: These techniques extend rallies and set up points.
- Communication and Teamwork: Playing in pairs requires strong coordination and communication with your teammate.
Footvolley’s History
Footvolley began in 1965 on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, created by Octavio de Moraes. Since playing football on the beach was banned, Octavio and his friends came up with a new way to play, using their feet, head, chest, and thighs to hit the ball over a volleyball net.
Originally called “pévolei” (footvolley in Portuguese), the game quickly gained popularity. By the 1970s, it had spread to other Brazilian cities, with teams initially playing with five players on each side.
However, this format resulted in rallies lasting too long, so the teams were reduced to 2 vs 2, which is the format still used today.
Footvolley’s popularity grew even more when famous Brazilian football players like Romario and Ronaldinho began playing the game.
Footvolley Global Expansion
- 1985: Footvolley continued to grow in Brazil, gaining widespread popularity on Rio de Janeiro’s beaches.
- 1997: Footvolley reaches England, where a team participates in a tournament in Thailand.
- 2003: Footvolley arrived in Israel, and by 2008, the world’s first regular footvolley league was established.
- 2007: The U.S. hosts its first national footvolley championship.
- 2008: Italy and Australia join the footvolley scene with national tours and development programs.
- 2011: The U.S. Pro Footvolley Tour launches, bringing the sport to a broader audience.
- 2016: Footvolley reaches a global stage with a guest appearance at the Rio Olympics.
- 2018: In South Korea, footvolley and similar sports have increased popularity, becoming part of national competitions.
Conclusion About Foot Volleyball Rules
Footvolley rules combine the techniques of football with the format of beach volleyball, creating a dynamic and fast-paced game. With its simple rules and 2 vs. 2 format, it’s accessible to beginners while still offering a challenge for experienced players.
As footvolley continues to grow internationally, it provides a fun and engaging way to stay active and enjoy competitive play on the beach.
FAQs About Footvolley Rules
What is footvolley❓
Footvolley is a sport that combines elements of football and beach volleyball. It follows volleyball-style rules, but players can’t use their hands or arms.
How is footvolley played❓
Footvolley is played on a sand court divided by a net. Players use their feet, head, chest, and other body parts to hit the ball over the net, aiming to score points by landing the ball in the opponent’s court.
How many players are on a footvolley team❓
Footvolley teams typically have two players, similar to beach volleyball.
What equipment is needed to play footvolley❓
To play footvolley, you need a footvolley ball and a sandy court, usually on a beach.
What is the official ball used in footvolley❓
The official footvolley ball is similar in size to a standard size 5 football but lighter, weighing between 360 to 400 grams. This lighter weight improves control during fast-paced rallies, making kicks, volleys, and headers easier to manage.
Where did footvolley originate❓
Footvolley started in Brazil in the 1960s and has since gained worldwide popularity, with players now competing across many countries.
What is the standard footvolley net height❓
The net is typically set at 2.2 meters (about 7 feet 3 inches) for men and around 2 meters (about 6 feet 7 inches) for women’s competitions.